This introduction covers The Hidden Cost of Tech within Environmental Issues for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Environmental Issues in 3.8 Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts for GCSE Computer Science with 17 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 1 of 6 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
The Hidden Cost of Tech
Every Google search, every Netflix stream, every text message has an environmental footprint you can't see. Data centres powering the cloud use as much electricity as some countries. Your old phone contains rare earth metals mined in environmentally destructive ways. E-waste piles up in landfills, leaking toxic chemicals. But technology also helps - smart grids, remote working, digital documents. It's a complex picture!
Practice questions for Environmental Issues
What is e-waste?
Explain the environmental impact of data centres and describe one way this impact can be reduced.
Quick recall flashcards
What is e-waste?
Discarded electronic devices
What does MECE stand for in environmental impacts?
Manufacturing, E-waste, Carbon footprint, Energy consumption